The Great Wall of China — China
Location: Northern China (Asia)
The Great Wall of China is the LONGEST structure ever built by humans! It stretches across northern China like a giant stone snake winding over mountains, through valleys, and across deserts.
Fun facts:
- Total length: over 13,000 miles! That is longer than the distance from New York to Los Angeles and back — TWICE!
- Built over 2,000 years, by different Chinese dynasties (ruling families)
- Original purpose: to protect China from invaders from the north
- Made of stone, brick, packed earth, and other materials
- Some sections are wide enough for 5 horses to ride side by side
- Watchtowers were built along the wall where guards could spot enemies
- It is NOT visible from space with the naked eye (that is a myth!)
Millions of workers built the wall over centuries. It is one of the most incredible feats of human determination and labor in history.
Today, the most famous sections near Beijing are visited by millions of tourists who hike along the wall and marvel at the view.